Portsmouth's Lonza named One of Best Large Companies to work for

Friday

Dec 28, 2012 at 3:15 AMDec 28, 2012 at 6:09 AM

PORTSMOUTH – Lonza, which has a major Biologics manufacturing and office facility in Portsmouth, has been named one of the best large companies to work for in New Hampshire during 2012 by an awards partnership of NH Businesses for Social Responsibility, Bruce Mast & Associates and Business NH Magazine.

Lonza and the other winning companies were selected by a distinguished panel of judges after visits to the finalists’ sites and a review of their employee policies, benefits and culture.

With more than 730 employees, Lonza’s Biologics facility in Portsmouth is the fifth largest employer in the city. The site produces specialized antibodies and therapeutic proteins for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, which uses them to target major diseases, including cancers and autoimmune disorders.

The 10 winners were among scores of companies who submitted initial applications detailing their employee benefits, company culture, communication and employee development strategies and letters from employees.

Among other positive initiatives, Lonza was recognized for a culture of employee engagement that includes routine employee surveys and focus groups as well as an active suggestion system that has garnered more than 2,000 ideas for how to improve the site and its businesses. One outgrowth of a focus group recommendation was the Lonza Environmental Action Forum Committee, which provides employees with information, solutions and other resources so they can act in a more environmentally sound manner.

Lonza was also recognized for its flexible work schedule, including a 9/80 schedule that allows employees to work nine shifts in a two-week period and have every other Friday off. Lonza also invests in its employees’ career development and training. This year, the site conducted its first Internal Career Fair, where employees learned about job and career opportunities throughout the global life-sciences company.

Lonza’s Biologics specialized antibodies and proteins are derived from a single cell line to target specific diseases, such as cancers or autoimmune disorders.

Lonza is one of the world’s leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and secondary listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”). In 2011, the company had sales of CHF 2.69 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com